Start a Business in Central Coast

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 7 permits⏱ 2-8 weeks💰 $150-$500+ (food registration, outdoor dining)

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Overview

Starting a business in Central Coast requires a Food Business Registration / Development Approval through the Central Coast Council. Base fee: $150-$500+ (food registration, outdoor dining). No general state business licence — licensing is council-level. NSW Food Authority handles food business licences statewide. Development Applications (DAs) go through local council for change of use. Councils charge annual food premises registration fees.

Required Permits

✓Federal: ABN registration (free, instant at abr.gov.au)
✓Federal: TFN (Tax File Number, free)
✓Federal: GST registration (if turnover >$75K)
✓State: Business name registration with ASIC ($39/year)
✓Local: Council business registration / planning permit
✓Local: Food premises registration (if food — council health dept)
✓State: Liquor licence (if applicable)

Step-by-Step Process

1

Federal: ABN registration (free, instant at abr.gov.au)

2

Federal: TFN (Tax File Number, free)

3

Federal: GST registration (if turnover >$75K)

4

State: Business name registration with ASIC ($39/year)

5

Local: Council business registration / planning permit

6

Local: Food premises registration (if food — council health dept)

7

State: Liquor licence (if applicable)

Costs

Estimated total: $150-$500+ (food registration, outdoor dining) depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Central Coast Council

Phone: 02 4350 5555

2 Hely Street, Wyong NSW 2259

Common Mistakes

⚠ Merged council (former Gosford + Wyong) — largest regional council in NSW
⚠ Food premises register with council AND NSW Food Authority
⚠ Fee structure based on small / medium / large food business categories
⚠ Coastal flood-zone planning approvals required in some suburbs
⚠ Two main commercial centres: Gosford CBD and Tuggerah/Wyong corridor
⚠ Growing commuter population from Sydney — retail and services demand increasing

Choose Your Business Type

RestaurantFood TruckBarber ShopRetail StoreCoffee ShopBar / NightclubGym / Fitness StudioNail SalonCannabis DispensaryDog GroomingBakeryCleaning ServiceDaycare CenterAuto Repair Shop

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